Tinker, Tailor, Streamer, Pi.

[antonio66]

Well worth watching, don't give up half way through

[Latteman]

I want to purchase a small usb dac to partner my headphone amp
If I use an iPhone or iPod via usb to an Oehlbach xxl masterclock will this power a dac that relies on usb input for power - cheers

[Fretless]

Oehlbach Masterclock is designed to provide plenty of clean 5V power to a USB DAC. .

I used to have an Ipod dock from Onkyo that took the digital output from an Ipod and sent it to the DAC via coax/ Toslink.

[NSNO2021]

Well worth watching, don't give up half way through

One of the most interesting and thought provoking items I have seen in a very long while, thanks for posting that

[Fretless]

Excellent video - clear and concise explanation of the strengths and weakneses of digital audio processing / connections.

[CN211276]

I have become increasingly aware of the importance of power supplies and have read so many positive reports about the Sbooster, in particular how it elevates the performance of the Qutest. A number of the comments maintain that it lifts the performance to above that of the TT2 (contains headphone socket and pre amp) which costs nearly four times as much as the Qutest. I ordered one on Friday and Future Shop delvered this the next day.

A very noticable improvement was immediately apparant. There was a marked increase in overall authority and bass impact. After a short run in, an increase in the depth of the image became very apparant. As the instructions advise that 100 hours is required for full run in I am anticipating more.

It is more expensive, bigger and more expensive that the MCRU it has replaced. The MCRU brought about an improvement over the supplied Chord wall wart which I found to be subtle, but this is anything but. The MCRU will be connected to the Topping E30 in my second system when an adaptor arrives and I am expecting a positive outcome.

I also ordered this.

By all reports it is a very worthwhile add on to the Sbooster but will have to wait until July for it to be in stock. The Sbooster will be fully run in by then so I will be able to accurately judge what it adds.

The Ultra Add On arrived sooner than expected. One end plugs into the Qutest and the other connects to the lead from the Sbooster. The output voltage on the Sbooster has to be raised from 5v to 6v to accomodate it. The Ultra has brought about a subtle but very worthwhile improvement. This mainly concerns the highest frequencies where there is a greater resolution of fine detail and smootheness.

[antonio66]

By those SBooster ps have certainly risen in price since Mark Grant used to sell them, I'm sure they were £220 so a third increase in a few years: I did see a 5/6v one on ebay should anyone be interested

[antonio66]

I've been able to make 'improvements' to my digital set-up, but I retain the nagging feeling that I am simply making technical 'hi-fi' type adjustments, rather than making great leaps in engagement and enjoyment. It still doesn't match vinyl, to my ears (and heart).

I'm also mildly amused by the number of 'digital heads' who seem perfectly happy to have around 6 separate boxes between their router and their DAC, but then baulk at the idea of separate pre / power...

[antonio66]

Well come on Savvy, what you been doing to your 'front end'? (Ooooh Matron)

[CN211276]

The MCRU will be connected to the Topping E30 in my second system when an adaptor arrives and I am expecting a positive outcome.

It took some time for me to get the correct adaptor and the result has been positive as it should be because the MCRU, replaced by the Sbooster in the main system, costs more than twice the price of the Topping. It is a significant improvement over the power bank I had been using which sounded a lot better than the walwart supplied with the E30. Music has a lot more authority with improved bass reponse. The A20/P20, Cubettes are really singing with LS3, SSP and a quality PS. The Topping E30 can really deliver with quality partnering components. These comments apply to the E30 in DAC mode. In pre amp mode the improvement is less pronounced. The difference between DAC mode and pre amp mode was a lot less with the power bank.